The sacred machine

BENZDORP/PARAMARIBO - Deep in the Amazon rainforest, on the banks of the Lawa River between Suriname and French Guiana, live the Wayana. The peaceful existence of this indigenous population came to an abrupt end in 1885, when gold was discovered in the region. Since then, the presence of outsiders has left deep scars on their society.

LONGYEARBYEN - Svalbard, once an isolated destination for researchers and miners, is increasingly visited by tourists. Climate change, easier accessibility, and ‘last chance’ tourism have driven rapid growth in visitor numbers. This puts pressure on the fragile ecosystem and raises questions about the balance between economic development and nature conservation.

GRENSLAND - In 1930 kon je als reiziger op zeven spoorlijnen rechtstreeks tussen Vlaanderen en Nederland treinen. Vandaag zijn dat er nog maar twee. Sjereno Cörvers en Basil Claeys bespreken de oorzaken van het verval van het regionaal-internationaal treinverkeer.